Savory Lamb and Rice Stuffed Peppers Recipe

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Stuffed Peppers with Lamb Herbed Rice - An Albanian Recipe

If you love traditional Mediterranean cooking, then you must try the Albanian stuffed peppers recipe with rice and lamb. This beloved comfort food is a popular staple in Albanian cuisine that dates back generations. 

 

If you’re a fan of stuffed vegetables with rice and meat, you’ll love this Albanian recipe for Lamb Rice Stuffed Peppers. This dish is well-known worldwide, and for a good reason – it’s flavorful, hearty, and delicious. But did you know that similar dishes are also popular in other cultures? Growing up in Jordan, I enjoyed stuffed bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and potatoes cooked in a rich tomato sauce. Each culture has its unique take on this classic dish, and the Albanian version is no exception. With tender lamb, fragrant herbed rice, and savory spices, this recipe is a perfect example of the delicious and satisfying stuffed vegetable tradition.

Key Ingredients in Lamb Rice Stuffed Peppers

  •  Onions: Onions are often used as a flavor base in many recipes, and in this Lamb Rice Stuffed Peppers recipe, they play a similar role. Onions add a sweet and savory depth of flavor to the filling, enhancing the dish’s overall taste.
  •  Bell Peppers: Bell peppers serve as the edible vessel for the delicious stuffing. They provide a mildly sweet and slightly crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft, flavorful filling. Their vibrant colors also make the dish visually appealing.
  •  Ground Lamb or Beef: Lamb or beef adds a rich and hearty character to the stuffing. It’s the primary source of protein and contributes to the dish’s savory and meaty flavor profile. The choice between lamb and beef can vary depending on personal preference and regional traditions.
  • Tomatoes, often used as tomato sauce or diced tomatoes, bring a tangy and slightly sweet element to the filling. They also provide moisture and help bind the ingredients together, creating a cohesive and flavorful stuffing.
  • Dry Mint: Dry mint is a fragrant herb with a distinctive flavor. It adds a refreshing and aromatic quality to the stuffing, balancing the meat’s and rice’s richness.
  • Short Grain Rice: Short-grain rice is the key ingredient that binds the filling together. It absorbs the flavors of the meat, onions, and seasonings while providing a tender and slightly sticky texture. This type of rice is ideal for stuffed pepper recipes.
  • Olive Oil: Olive oil not only sautés the onions and meat but also infuses the stuffing with a hint of Mediterranean flavor. It contributes to the overall richness and ensures that the filling remains moist.

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the harmonious blend of flavors and textures that make Lamb Rice Stuffed Peppers a delightful and satisfying dish.

Tips for Perfect Lamb Rice Stuffed Peppers:

  • Select Similar Size Peppers: Choose peppers of similar size to ensure even cooking during the 55-minute baking time.
  • Check Texture at Halfway Mark: If peppers aren’t soft enough, add more water and extend the baking time for the desired texture.
  • Complete Meal in Each Pepper: Stuffed peppers offer a wholesome combination of meat, rice, and pepper, perfect for quick and convenient weekday lunches or dinners.
  • Ideal for Meal Prep: Prepare a batch for the week; easily reheat at work or for a speedy dinner.
  • Freezing Option: Freeze for longer storage if not consumed within four to five days. Reheat in the oven or microwave when needed.:
  • Vegan Twist: Substitute meat with lentils, quinoa, or tofu seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices.
  • Mediterranean-Inspired: Try stuffing with tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese.
  • Mexican-Themed: Experiment with black beans, corn, and spices for a flavorful twist.

These tips ensure that your Lamb Rice Stuffed Peppers turn out perfect every time, offering versatility and convenience in your culinary adventures.

Complementary Side Options

These side dishes complement your Lamb Rice Stuffed Peppers: Fattoush Salad, Greek Salad, Spinach and Lentil Salad, or simple cups of Chicken Soup or Butternut Squash Soup. These pairings add variety and balance to your meal.

How to Make Savory Lamb and Rice Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Preparation

1.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium to high heat.
Sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent.
Add the ground lamb or beef to the skillet and brown it.
Mark as complete
2.
Once the meat is browned, add the chopped parsley and crushed tomatoes. Mix well.
Pour in 1 cup of water and season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and dry mint. Mix again.
Add the washed short-grain rice to the skillet. Stir everything together.
Reduce the heat to medium and let the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes. If the stuffing becomes too thick, add an additional ½ cup of water as needed.

Mark as complete
3.
While the stuffing is cooking, preheat your oven to 375°F .
Turn off the heat on the stovetop and allow the stuffing to cool.
While the stuffing is cooling, prepare the bell peppers. Cut off the tops of the peppers and remove any seeds or pits from inside.
Mark as complete
4.
Once the stuffing has cooled enough to handle, spoon it into the peppers, filling them about ¾ of the way to the top.
Mark as complete
5.
Arrange the stuffed peppers next to each other in a baking dish. Place the tops of the peppers back onto them.

Mark as complete
6.
Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the baking dish and cover it with foil.
Bake the stuffed peppers for 35 minutes.
Remove the foil and check if there is still some water in the bottom of the pan. Add more if it has evaporated.
Bake the peppers uncovered for another 25 minutes, until they are cooked and the tops are slightly browned.
Mark as complete
7.
Remove from the oven, let them cool for a moment, and enjoy your delicious Lamb Rice Stuffed Peppers!
Mark as complete

Ingredients:

1X 2X 3X
Adjust Servings
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion (chopped)
6 large bell peppers
1 lb. ground lamb or beef
4 medium size tomatoes (chopped, or 14 oz diced can tomatoes)
1 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
1 tablespoon salt
½ tablespoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dry mint
1 cup short grain rice (washed)
2 cups water + 2 extra cups water separated

Preparation

1
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium to high heat. Sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent. Add the ground lamb or beef to the skillet and brown it.
2
Once the meat is browned, add the chopped parsley and crushed tomatoes. Mix well. Pour in 1 cup of water and season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and dry mint. Mix again. Add the washed short-grain rice to the skillet. Stir everything together. Reduce the heat to medium and let the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes. If the stuffing becomes too thick, add an additional ½ cup of water as needed.
3
While the stuffing is cooking, preheat your oven to 375°F . Turn off the heat on the stovetop and allow the stuffing to cool. While the stuffing is cooling, prepare the bell peppers. Cut off the tops of the peppers and remove any seeds or pits from inside.
4
Once the stuffing has cooled enough to handle, spoon it into the peppers, filling them about ¾ of the way to the top.
5
Arrange the stuffed peppers next to each other in a baking dish. Place the tops of the peppers back onto them.
6
Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the baking dish and cover it with foil. Bake the stuffed peppers for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and check if there is still some water in the bottom of the pan. Add more if it has evaporated. Bake the peppers uncovered for another 25 minutes, until they are cooked and the tops are slightly browned.
7
Remove from the oven, let them cool for a moment, and enjoy your delicious Lamb Rice Stuffed Peppers!

Nutrition Information

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
See our full nutrition disclosure here.

rana

By Rana

Thanks for visiting my Mediterranean food blog and welcome to my virtual kitchen! Here, you’ll find mouth-watering, wholesome, and nutritious Mediterranean recipes that will change the way you view cooking.

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